Backpacking in South America – Four Places You Don’t Want to Miss

Backpacking in South America
is one of the most highly traveled continents on Earth with its vastly varied
terrain and incredible natural wonders. From steep snow-covered mountains to
dense tropical rainforests, it’s easy to see why adventure seekers enjoy
traveling to South America.

Backpacking in South America
is one of the best ways to experience all the sights, sounds, and culture of
the country. With so many different regions, deciding where to take your
backpacking trip can be a challenge. Below you will find a few of the most
popular destinations for backpacking in South America:

Machu
Picchu – Peru

Located on a mountainside
overlooking the Urubamba Valley of Peru, Machu Picchu is one of the most
traveled tourist destinations on Earth. Built around 1450 AD this iconic Incan
estate was left abandoned less than 100 years later upon the arrival of the
Spanish Conquistadors to the region. It was largely unknown to the rest of the
world until being discovered in 1911. It has been a highly traveled tourist
destination ever since.

Backpacking to Machu Picchu
will require a few different things, most importantly a permit if you plan to
follow the Inca trail. Because of there sites popularity permits are limited to
500 per day for visits via the Inca trail. However, you may consider following
the Lares Trek which doesn’t require permits and offers equally impressive
sights along the way. No matter which path you plan to take, Machu Picchu is
one place you don’t want to miss.

Igauzu
Falls – Argentina & Brazil

Located on the border of
Argentina and Brazil lies one of the most spectacular sights you will ever get
the opportunity lay eyes on: IgauzuFalls. Considered a wonder of the natural
world, Igauzu Falls is found in a perfectly preserved ecosystem protected by
both the Argentine and Brazilian governments.

Backpacking through the
surrounding jungle will allow you to catch many different viewpoints of the
falls. Because the area around the falls is protected, it’s the perfect place
to explore the unique landscape and wildlife of the region. Although pictures don’t
do this place justice, bring your camera anyway as you’ll be sure to capture an
array of spectacular photos.

Torres
Del Paine – Chile

Offering some of the most
varied terrain in the world, Torres del Paine contains steep mountains,
beautiful lakes, bright green forests, and ancient glaciers. Everywhere you go
in the park, one central feature will stand out: the Paine Massif. These
intimidating granite spires stand out overlooking the region and dominating the
landscape of Torres del Paine.

There are several different
traditional routes for trekking and backpacking in the park with over 10
campsites located along the way. All of these routes will allow you to
experience this awe-inspiring Chilean landscape. Choosing one just comes down
to how long you’d like to stay in Torres del Paine. This is one of the most
popular areas for backpacking in South America and it’s easy to see why.

Tierra
Del Fuego – Argentina

Located at the southwestern
tip of South America, Tierra del Fuego National Park is Argentina’s only
national park on the coast. The park is a paradise for outdoor sports like
climbing, fishing, kayaking, and of course backpacking. With its amazing
scenery, including forests, mountains, and glaciers the region is very similar
to the Torres del Paine.

The park is loaded with many
unique adventures to choose from including the frightening ice caves of Alvear
Glacier. A popular destination for people trekking in Argentina, the Ice Caves
were carved by water flowing underneath the glacier. This is no doubt one of
the most unique experiences you will ever find, and a trip into the caves will
leave you with a story to tell for years to come. You definitely don’t want to
miss this place while backpacking in South America.

These are just a few of the
exciting places to visit while backpacking in South America. It will be hard to
see all of these places in just one trip. However, no matter which one you
choose, you’ll be left with a lasting memory and a story to tell for years to
come.